Smoke billows from the Self Help recycling center Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, in Sterling. Departments from Sterling, Rock Falls, Dixon, Morrison, Prophetstown and Erie were seen battling the blaze. (Alex T. Paschal)Fire broke out at Sterling’s Self Help Enterprises on Friday afternoon, with the initial investigation pointing to problems with a cardboard compactor, officials said. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Smoke billows from the Self Help recycling center Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, in Sterling. Departments from Sterling, Rock Falls, Dixon, Morrison, Prophetstown and Erie were seen battling the blaze.